Viking-themed family fun to a buzzing South Coast music weekend… six great festivals to visit this winter
THINGS can get a bit grim in January when the Christmas lights turn off and the tinsel is taken down.
But fear not, there is still plenty happening in Blighty during the dark, winter months.
From a buzzing South Coast music weekend in January to some Viking-themed family fun in York during February, there are some great festivals happening up and down the country.
So put on your scarves and hats and soak up the UK’s best winter festivals for fighting off those post-Christmas blues.
LONDON NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE
Date: January 1
Where: London
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Start 2024 in style by heading into the capital for the biggest New Year’s Day street event of its kind.
The parade has been running annually since 1987 and in 2024 it will begin from Piccadilly (outside The Ritz) at noon and run until about 3.30pm.
Passing landmarks such as Trafalgar Square on the way, the two-mile route finishes at Westminster and is expected to attract around 500,000 people to watch the festivities.
Expect marching bands, dance troupes and colourful floats, as well as headline performances from Chesney Hawkes and Boyzlife.
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GO: The parade is free to watch. See lnydp.com for more information.
ROCKAWAY BEACH
Date: January 5-7
Where: Bognor Regis, West Sussex
How does a bouncing adults-only music festival sound to wipe away the cobwebs of Christmas and celebrate the start of a new year?
Taking place under the huge, pointed white pavilions at Butlin’s Bognor Regis, Rockaway Beach is a one-of-a-kind indoor music festival on the South Coast, showcasing up-and-coming artists alongside more established acts.
Sleaford Mods, The Cribs and The Selecter, fronted by Pauline Black, will be headlining in 2024.
Throw in a fairground, arcade games, pool parties, big-screen sports on TV, go-karting and tons more attractions across the weekend.
I bet you will be preparing to book the foot-tapping festivities again for next year before you know it.
GO: Packages cost from around £93pp, based on four adults sharing a room at Butlin’s Ocean Hotel and including festival tickets. See butlins.com.
BURNS NIGHT
Date: January 25
Where: Countrywide
Celebrating the anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns’ birth, this long-standing evening is a perfect excuse to enjoy some tasty haggis and Scotch whisky.
Although the annual celebration originates in Scotland, Burns Night has become a fixture in pubs, bars and restaurants up and down the UK.
The evenings might also include poetry recitals and old songs, but there will always be plenty of good-spirited cheer. So raise a glass to Rabbie Burns.
GO: Prices and events vary across the country. See visitscotland.com for more information.
REBALANCE HEALTH AND WELLBEING FESTIVAL
Date: January 25 to February 18
Where: Bath
After the stress of Christmas and the optimism of the new year, do you need to take a moment for yourself and unwind?
Rebalance Bath is a three-week celebration of feel-good activities, mindfulness and motivation set in one of the country’s most beautiful spa cities.
Beginning on January 25, there will be more than 150 wellness events taking place, including wellbeing walks, drawing classes and unusual yoga sessions (such as laughter yoga. Yes, really).
Take a step back from the post-festive craziness and head down to Somerset to hit the pause button for a little while.
GO: It is free to enter the event, but some activities and classes cost extra. For more information, see welcometobath.co.uk.
JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL
Date: February 12-18
Where: York
Europe’s largest celebration of Norse heritage hammers down into the fascinating city of York during the middle of February.
This family festival runs for a week and features events including a three-course Viking banquet, vibrant Viking Games and the spectacular Festival Finale.
There are also exciting craft and digging events for children.
GO: Tickets cost from £10.50 per child aged five to 16, and £15 per adult. Under-fives go free. See jorvik vikingcentre.co.uk.
GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL WINTER 2024
Date: February 15-17
Where: Burton upon Trent
Set under the beautiful Victorian beams of Burton Town Hall, the Great British Beer Festival returns for its winter edition to warm up the dark days of February.
It is organised by the Campaign for Real Ale in the historic heart of British brewing and Burton is a perfect location in the middle of the country for people to visit.
Hundreds of dark and pale ales will be on tap over three days, alongside the country’s top ciders and perries.
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So grab a ticket and sample one of the best British beer weekends of the year.
GO: Tickets cost from £10 for the pre-sale admission evenings and from £15 for day tickets. See camra.org.uk.